Polar Explorers Holiday Club 2017 report

Polar Explorers Holiday Club

During the last week of the Summer Holidays just over 50 children spent 4 fun filled days exploring what it means to be a friend of Jesus through worship, games, crafts, polar Olympics, junk modelling, illusions with a Christian message and much, much more.

Our oldest group of children [black group] also enjoyed 2 evening events, bowling and burgers at Kingston and a barbecue and games evening. Many thanks to everyone who helped to prepare for the club and helped during the club itself.

Baptism Discovery Mornings

On the 3rd Monday of each month between 11 am and 12 noon feel free to pop in to Roots coffee shop to find out more about baptism and naming ceremonies for children. There will be helpful leaflets to take away.

Mayoral opening of ROOTS Coffee Shop

Roots was formally opened by the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell on May 25th 2017.

After opening prayers led by Rev Nik Woolller, Councillor Liz Frost cut the celebration cake, beautifully made by Jim Bosley.

Liz recalled that the Coffee Cup project started in 1985 with a small servery offering hot drinks and cakes with the intention of providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for people to meet and chat over a cuppa.

Four of the five Coffee Cup founding ladies: Janet de Bourcier, Pam Olsen, Margaret Boulton and Audrey Howe (Doris Howarth was the fifth founder) were presented as a memento, with an original 1985 teapot, scrubbed, polished and wrapped in the Roots colours.

This presentation was made by Ann Arthur, representing the ROOTS steering committee.

Roots coffee shop, managed by Wendy Hitchin and staffed by volunteers, continues the Coffee Cup tradition but in bright and attractive new surroundings, including a children’s play area.

Entertainment was provided by the Epsom Rock Choir, which rehearses at EMC weekly on Thursday mornings

RICHARD MUDDIMAN IN CONCERT WITH GUESTS

This concert at EMC marked the 40th Anniversary of Richard starting to play the organ at EMC and was planned after his retirement as EMC organist in January 2017. A wonderful evening of classical and modern organ and keyboard music, with some original compositions written by Richard

These included the memorable and beautifully performed New York Organ Fantasia which was premiered at this concert. Richard also sang a number of his favourite songs from musical theatre.

GOODBYE TO NIK So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Nik as she heads off to Scotland on her next adventure. Nik joined us six years ago as a fresh faced probationer and has flourished. She has been involved in so many elements of church life that I am sure we will all have our own memories of things that she has done during her time at EMC.

There are some big things that Nik has been instrumental in, such as the series of quiet days that she led and the new look coffee shop. However, it is the little things which we will all remember; the kind word of encouragement on a down day, comfort at the time of loss, the joke to lighten the meeting… She also participated in virtually everything happening at the church and was tirelessly supportive, even when she had health or personal issues of her own.

On Sunday 23rd July, there was a circuit service at EMC at 6pm as the circuit formally said goodbye to Nik. Nik preached her final service at EMC on Sunday 30th July. This was followed by a church lunch, which filled the Youth Hall. On behalf of the entire congregation at EMC, I would just like to say thank you to Nik for all her hard work, patience, love and commitment. We have really enjoyed having you as a Minister at Epsom Methodist Church and wish you all the best for your time in Blairgowrie.